The Commonwealth Secretariat is inviting applications for Round II of the Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator, offering grants ranging from £20,000 to £50,000 for government-led projects addressing ocean challenges and advancing sustainable blue economies.
The programme expects to support 10–15 projects across Commonwealth member countries, including eligible African nations.
About the Blue Charter Incubator
Launched in 2022, the Commonwealth Blue Charter Incubator supports nationally led initiatives that develop and test practical ocean solutions, strengthen institutional capacity and generate evidence for future investment.
Round II receives support from the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Priority Areas
Proposals should align with the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and address one or more of five areas:
- Marine Pollution: Reducing pollution from land-based and marine sources.
- Marine Ecosystem Restoration: Protecting mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses and coastal ecosystems.
- Sustainable Blue Economy: Developing inclusive and climate-resilient ocean-based economic activities.
- Sustainable Fisheries: Improving fisheries management, governance, value chains and livelihoods.
- Ocean and Climate Action: Supporting adaptation, mitigation, blue carbon and coastal resilience.
Funding and Project Support
Selected projects will receive grants of £20,000–£50,000 to develop and implement government-led ocean initiatives.
Projects must run for between six and 18 months. The programme expects to select 10–15 projects by the second quarter of 2027.
Eligibility Requirements
Applications are open to all 56 Commonwealth member countries.
The lead applicant must be a legally established national or sub-national government body, such as a ministry, department or public agency.
Partnerships with NGOs, universities, research institutions, community organisations and private-sector entities are strongly encouraged.
Each country may submit a maximum of two applications per funding round.